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Simpson’s Tavern has launched a ‘Save Our Simpson’s’ crowdfunder after it was served a winding-up petition following rent arrears.
The owners of Simpson’s Taverns, London’s oldest chophouse, has reached out to guests and supporters after its doors were locked last month by their landlord Tavor Holdings.
In an interview with City AM, Simpson’s Manager Benjamin Duggan, detailed how the business had seen higher volume and revenues in October 2022 than it did in 2019 before the pandemic.
He told City AM: “We are a solvent business, so we can pay down our debt with a reasonable horizon, which is what most landlords have responded to this issue.”
The decision from Tavor Holdings follows reported rent arrears that accumulated over the Covid pandemic, which lead to the tavern receiving a winding-up petition last week.
#saveoursimpsons We are heartbroken to announce that Simpson's Tavern, Londons oldest Chophouse has been forced to close through the cynical actions of our landlord (Tavor Holdings Ltd, incorporated in Bemuda) and their agents (Hartnell Taylor Cook Ltd). Crowdfunding starts today pic.twitter.com/hcXIqGZTFs
— Simpsons Tavern (@SimpsonsTavern) November 1, 2022
Benjamin told reporters that the landlord had rejected a “sensible” offer to make the rent whole over the period of the existing lease negotiated in 2018 and had instead “demanded the cash straight away.”
The tavern which has an earned a strong reputation amongst city works for its affordable dinners and wine list, fears the restaurant close its doors for good.
Commenting on Simpson’s legacy and reputation in the area, he added: “It would be a shame for this historical carcass to sit empty for what we imagine would be a considerable length of time.”
“I have so many regulars whose first lunch in the City was at Simpson’s. To have that rubbed away would be a real loss to the City,” explained Ben.
The Save Our Simpson’s crowdfunding page can be found here.
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Simpson's Tavern launches 'Save Our Simpson's' crowdfunder
Hospitality leaders criticise drafted terms for inquiry into the UK Government's response to Covid-19
Raymond Blanc: Covid has changed people's attitude to work, for better and worse
Covid restrictions Wales: Rule of six, two metre distancing, table service and face coverings to become compulsory on Boxing Day
The Staff Canteen does not support mandatory Covid vaccine passports
